Dharma Realm Guan Yin Sagely Monastery canteen in KL
You might think it impossible to find pockets of calm in a city like Kuala Lumpur. But between the glossy shopping malls and tourist hotspots stand cultural landmarks such as Dharma Realm Guan Yin Sagely Monastery.
This Chinese monastery is located just a stone’s throw from the Petronas Twin Towers, with a “secret” canteen inside that has been serving homely, vegetarian-based dishes since 1984.
A century-old Chinese temple in KL
The Dharma Realm Guan Yin Sagely Monastery has a long and layered history.
According to the caretaker and representative of the temple, Master Jhang, the monastery was managed by a trustee union and temple association during the British colonial era. After Malaya’s independence, in 1965, it was officially registered with the government.
Currently, the monastery stands as the home of Buddhist monks, both male and female, and a sacred site for devotees who follow the teachings of Buddha. Devotees from all walks of life come here – some hold joss sticks and whisper prayers, while the chants of mantras echo through the halls.
As for Master Jhang himself, he became a samanera, or novice monk, in 1986 and was later fully ordained in the US in 1989. Reflecting on his early motivation, he shared, “I kept thinking about death and felt afraid. I read more about Buddhism and realised that understanding life and death was the way to overcome fear and to care more for the lives of others”.
Free meals on Fridays & Sundays
Inside the temple, a “secret” canteen operates, shielded from the eyes of those traversing Jalan Ampang to get to the bustling Bukit Bintang. It’s become a hotspot for devotees and visitors alike, seeking homely, vegetarian dishes served zhap fan style in the city.
You’ll find the canteen most crowded on Fridays and Sundays, as well as on the first and 15th day of the Lunar month. Vegetarian food is served free to the public on these days, from 11am to 2.30pm. Meals are extra special on Fridays, with even more dishes prepared to serve hungry bellies.
On our visit, we found a spread of over 10 dishes, all cooked by monastery volunteers.
When asked how the canteen began, Master Jhang explained that in the monastery’s early days, as gatherings grew, the need for communal meals became apparent.
He shared, “We started the canteen in 1984 because people needed food. Some volunteers who are helping in the kitchen are Buddhist, some are free-thinkers. As long as they follow the guidelines, it works”.
Sustaining the cost of providing free food to the public every week is no small feat. Many generous individuals donate to the temple, with contributions going towards the purchase of ingredients and the preparation of meals.
“People who come here may not have enough to eat elsewhere, and it is our duty to share what we have”, Master Jhang said.
A communal dining area
As soon as lunchtime looms, around 11am, it’s not uncommon to see a steady stream of people entering the temple. Many who work nearby, along with devotees and curious tourists eager to experience a taste of local delights, gather at the canteen, forming orderly queues.
The food line often stretches beyond the canteen to the temple’s entrance. But dedicated volunteers at the canteen work efficiently to ensure everyone gets served quickly, with an average wait time of around 15 minutes.
Diners are advised to take appropriate portions to avoid wastage, keeping in mind the temple’s values of mindfulness and compassion.
If you are in a hurry and wish to have your meal packed, reusable containers are available for purchase at RM0.50 cents, with charges applied based on the amount of food taken.
Otherwise, you can grab a seat at the spacious dining area, where communal tables are set out for diners to enjoy their meals comfortably.
Once meals are finished, diners are asked to place their plates in the designated area so that others can use the space as well.
Chinese tea is served free of charge, and special treats are available on selected days, including lei cha, sticky rice balls, and homemade kaya jams, which must be purchased.
A “secret” canteen inside Dharma Realm Guan Yin Sagely Monastery in KL
The distribution of free vegetarian food at Dharma Realm Guan Yin Sagely Monastery is not merely about satisfying hunger. It is a gentle reminder of our blessings, of those who struggle to feed themselves, and of the profound joy that comes from sharing what we have with others.
Cover image adapted from: TheSmartLocal Malaysia
Photography by Yusintha and Brooklyn Ong.
Some quotes have been edited for brevity and clarity.